Lecture 39: Physiological Functions of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians and Applications of Meridian Theory
Up to the previous section, we have completed the discussion on the main focus of meridian theory, which is the twelve regular meridians. We covered the definitions, distribution patterns, connection rules, the flow of Qi and blood, and the general pathways of each meridian. In addition to the twelve regular meridians, there are also the eight extraordinary meridians, which we will discuss in this section.Section ThreeThe Eight Extraordinary Meridians1. Concept and Physiological Characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians(1) Concept of the Eight Extraordinary MeridiansFirst, let’s define the concept of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians from two aspects:From the characteristics of their pathways, which defines their nature.From their composition, which is called the structural definition. The concept of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians can be defined from these two aspects: they are eight meridians that travel along different paths from the twelve regular meridians. Remember, they travel along different paths, which include Ren Mai (Ren Meridian), Du Mai (Du Meridian), Chong Mai (Chong Meridian), Dai Mai (Dai Meridian), Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Meridian), Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Meridian), Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Meridian), and Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Meridian).(2) Physiological Characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary MeridiansWhy discuss physiological characteristics here and not for the twelve regular meridians? Because the eight extraordinary meridians travel along different paths from the twelve regular meridians, they have distinct physiological characteristics. We abstract these characteristics into the physiological features of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. As shown in the table, we will explain the physiological characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians from two aspects: their distribution and physiological functions, comparing them with the twelve regular meridians.First, let’s look at their distribution. 1. The distribution area within the human body: we previously mentioned that the twelve regular meridians are distributed throughout the body, while the Eight Extraordinary Meridians do not include the upper limbs. This is one characteristic. Looking at the pathway rules, the twelve regular meridians follow a clear pattern of internal, external, upper, lower, left, and right pathways. We have discussed the connection rules of the twelve regular meridians. However, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians do not have such distinct regularity as the twelve regular meridians. How do they travel? They mostly travel up and down, with the exception of the Dai Mai, which travels around the waist like a belt. This is the first characteristic: there are no extraordinary meridians in the upper limbs.2. Compared to the regular meridians, the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are less regular, mostly traveling up and down, with the exception of the Dai Mai.3. Regarding their connection to the organs: the twelve regular meridians are directly connected to the organs, while the Eight Extraordinary Meridians do not have specific connections to the organs. This is the third point of difference from the twelve regular meridians.4. The twelve regular meridians have clear Yin-Yang relationships, grouped into three pairs of Yin and Yang meridians, while the Eight Extraordinary Meridians do not have such paired relationships. This is from the perspective of their distribution.In summary, the physiological characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, compared to the twelve regular meridians, include: 1. No extraordinary meridians in the upper limbs. 2. Less regular pathways, mostly up and down, with the exception of the Dai Mai. 3. No specific connections to the organs. 4. No Yin-Yang paired relationships.These points outline the physiological characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, which should be remembered in comparison to the twelve regular meridians. In terms of physiological functions, the two also differ: the twelve regular meridians serve as the channels for the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body, while the Eight Extraordinary Meridians have the function of regulating the Qi and blood of the twelve regular meridians, playing a regulatory role. This is the physiological characteristic of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. Students should remember the physiological characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, from their distribution to their physiological functions, and these characteristics should be compared with those of the twelve regular meridians to emphasize the unique physiological attributes of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.2. Pathways and Physiological Functions of the Eight Extraordinary MeridiansNext, we will discuss the pathways and physiological functions of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. Students should focus on the pathways and physiological functions of the Du Mai, Ren Mai, Chong Mai, and Dai Mai, understanding their general pathways and physiological functions.(1) Du MaiThe pathway of the Du Mai begins at the lower abdomen, known as the “Biao Zhong” (the center of the body), exits at the perineum, and ascends along the spine. It starts at the lower abdomen, exits at the perineum, ascends along the spine to the nape of the neck, connects to the brain, and then travels along the midline of the head, moving to the center of the face, reaching the nose, and terminating at the frenulum of the upper lip. To remember simply: it starts at the lower abdomen, exits at the perineum, ascends along the spine, connects to the brain, and travels along the midline of the head to the upper lip’s frenulum. This is the pathway of the Du Mai.Its physiological function is to regulate the Qi and blood of the Yang meridians. Compared to the Ren Mai, the Du Mai travels along the back, which is Yang in nature, and regulates the Qi and blood of the entire Yang meridians, hence it is called the “Sea of Yang Meridians.”Since the Du Mai travels along the spine and reaches the lumbar region, it is connected to the kidneys. Students should refer to the specific pathway in the textbook. Although the Eight Extraordinary Meridians do not have clear connections to the organs, the Du Mai is related to the kidneys and the brain, and has a close relationship with the spinal cord. Therefore, the Du Mai is closely related to the physiology and pathology of the brain, kidneys, and spinal cord, especially the kidneys. In terms of meridian theory, we do not say “tonify the kidneys,” but rather “tonify the Du Mai,” to unify the organ theory and meridian theory. In traditional Chinese literature, it is often referred to as “tonifying the kidney and Du Mai.” When studying herbal medicine, some herbs are often mentioned as entering the kidneys or the Du Mai.It is also related to reproductive functions. Why? Because the Du Mai connects to the kidneys, which govern reproduction. Therefore, the Du Mai is significant in regulating human reproductive functions. In acupuncture, adjusting the Du Mai is an important method for regulating sexual and reproductive functions. Students should remember their functions and significance.(2) Ren MaiThe Ren Mai begins at the lower abdomen, exits at the perineum, and travels along the midline of the abdomen, ascending through the throat to the lower lip, then encircling the lips and intersecting with the Du Mai. To remember simply: it starts at the lower abdomen, exits at the perineum, ascends along the midline of the abdomen, passes through the throat to the lower lip, encircles the lips, and intersects with the Du Mai.Its physiological function is to regulate the Qi and blood of the Yin meridians. The Ren Mai travels along the abdomen, which is Yin in nature, while the Du Mai travels along the back, which is Yang. The Du Mai regulates the Qi and blood of the entire Yang meridians, while the Ren Mai regulates the Qi and blood of the entire Yin meridians, thus it is called the “Sea of Yin Meridians.”It also regulates women’s menstruation, which is related to reproductive functions. Therefore, it is said that the Ren Mai governs the uterus. The phrase “the menstrual Qi should flow down according to the time” indicates the relationship between the Ren Mai and women’s menstruation, reproduction, and pregnancy.(3) Chong MaiAmong the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, the Chong Mai is a key focus.The pathway of the Chong Mai starts at the lower abdomen, exiting at the perineum, and shares the same origin with the Ren Mai and Du Mai. According to the pathway characteristics of these three meridians, there is a famous principle in meridian theory called “One Source, Three Divergences,” which refers to the Du Mai, Ren Mai, and Chong Mai sharing the same origin but diverging to different parts of the body. The Chong Mai starts at the lower abdomen, exits at the perineum, and travels along the inner side of the lower limbs, with a point in the groin area called “Qi Jie” (Qi Street), ascending alongside the Kidney Meridian (Shen Jing) of the foot, traveling symmetrically, hence it is said to “travel along the sides of the navel.” To remember simply: it starts at the lower abdomen, exits at the perineum, travels along the inner side of the lower limbs, ascends alongside the Kidney Meridian, and reaches the throat, encircling the lips and terminating under the eyes. This is the main pathway of the Chong Mai. It has two branches: one descending branch and one ascending branch. The descending branch exits from the Qi Jie, travels down the inner side of the lower limbs to the feet. The ascending branch exits from the lower abdomen through the perineum, enters the back, and travels along the Du Mai, connecting with it along the spine. This is the Chong Mai’s pathway. Students should first remember its main pathway, and then remember its two branches: one descending branch in front and one behind, which connects with the Du Mai along the spine.The physiological function of the Chong Mai is to regulate the Qi and blood of the twelve meridians. The term “Chong” implies a crucial pathway. According to meridian theory, the Chong Mai enters the Du Mai from the back and the Ren Mai from the front, traveling symmetrically. The Du Mai regulates the Qi and blood of the Yang meridians, while the Ren Mai regulates the Qi and blood of the twelve meridians. Therefore, the Chong Mai is known as the “Sea of the Twelve Meridians” or the “Sea of the Five Zang and Six Fu Organs,” indicating its function in regulating the Qi and blood of the twelve meridians.It also governs reproductive functions. In discussing the liver as the sea of blood, we mentioned the relationship between the Chong Mai and the liver, as well as its connection to women’s menstruation. Therefore, the Chong Mai is referred to as the “Sea of Blood,” which has a role in regulating women’s menstruation. Additionally, the Chong Mai is also mentioned in traditional Chinese literature as being related to men’s reproductive functions, referred to as the “Tai Chong Mai.” For men, whether congenital or acquired, damage or deficiency in the Chong Mai can affect reproductive functions. This is from the perspective of meridian theory, emphasizing its role in regulating menstruation, but it should also be understood as regulating reproductive functions for both genders.(4) Dai MaiThe pathway of the Dai Mai starts at the lateral costal region and encircles the waist. This can be remembered as it is like a belt that wraps around the torso. The Dai Mai travels diagonally, unlike the horizontal plane of a belt.Its physiological function is to restrain the various meridians. By encircling the body, the Dai Mai connects all the longitudinal meridians. In this sense, it has the function of restraining the meridians.It also governs women’s vaginal discharge. In terms of meridian theory, the normal vaginal secretions in women are related to the function of the Dai Mai, hence it is said to govern women’s discharge.As for the Qiao Mai and Wei Mai, no specific requirements are set; students can review them on their own.Thus, we have introduced the main body of meridian theory, the meridian system, the twelve regular meridians, and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. The Du Mai, Ren Mai, Chong Mai, and Dai Mai play significant roles in the TCM theoretical system. We have provided a general introduction to their pathways, physiological functions, and roles in the human body, with a focus on the twelve regular meridians. The Eight Extraordinary Meridians are unique, and in the textbook, we need to discuss their pathways and physiological functions separately, as they travel along different paths from the twelve regular meridians. Therefore, their physiological functions are discussed in this section, while the physiological functions of the twelve regular meridians are covered as a whole in one section.Section FourPhysiological Functions of the MeridiansNext, we will discuss the physiological functions of the meridians. The meridian system, through its interconnections, permeates the entire body, linking the human body into an organic whole. What specific functions does it perform?1. Connecting FunctionWhat does it connect? How does it link the human body into an organic whole? It connects not only the organs but also the body, orifices, and meridians, as well as the organs and meridians.(1) Connecting Organs and LimbsWe previously discussed the unity of the body and organs. In the theory of Zangxiang, we emphasized the connection between (1) the five organ systems and (2) their physiological functions. In this sense, they are a whole. The meridian theory, from the perspective of meridian pathways, connects the organs and limbs. Each meridian’s pathway is associated with the organs, linking the organs and the body. In the textbook, specific examples are provided, and students should further understand this concept as they read each pathway. In TCM, it is said that the internal belongs to the organs, while the external connects to the limbs, unifying the body and the organs through the meridians.(2) Connecting Organs and OrificesThe meridians travel within the body, connecting the organs and orifices. We have discussed that the ears, nose, eyes, and mouth all have meridians distributed in these areas. The meridians connect these orifices to specific meridians and organs. For example, the eye is the orifice of the liver, and the liver opens to the eyes. We have previously discussed their physiological relationships, and from the perspective of meridian theory, the foot Jueyin Liver Meridian connects with the eyes.(3) Connecting Organs to Each OtherWhen discussing the Yin-Yang relationships of the twelve regular meridians, we mentioned that the organs are Yin and the Fu organs are Yang. The Yin-Yang relationship between the organs is completed through the connections of the meridians.(4) Connecting Meridians to Each OtherWe have discussed the connection rules of the twelve regular meridians, which imply a connection. The connection of the twelve regular meridians allows for the flow of Qi and blood from one meridian to another, linking them together. We have emphasized the connection of the twelve regular meridians, and the concept of Luo Mai (collateral meridians) supplements the twelve regular meridians, forming a network system. This table illustrates the connections between the twelve regular meridians and the organs, demonstrating how the meridians connect the organs and orifices, and the body.2. Sensory Transmission Function(1) Significance of Sensory TransmissionSensory transmission is a concept in modern TCM foundational theory. It refers to the meridian system’s ability to transmit sensations from acupuncture and other stimuli. Specifically, in meridian theory, sensory transmission refers to the meridian system’s ability to conduct sensations from acupuncture and other stimuli. Students should remember this concept.(2) Material Basis of Sensory TransmissionWhat is the material basis of sensory transmission? The material basis is the Qi that runs within the meridians. Some students may ask why we previously defined meridians as channels for Qi and blood, and now we say the material basis is Qi. This Qi refers to the overall Qi of the human body, representing the life material system’s Qi, blood, essence, and fluids. It does not specify blood, essence, or fluids, but rather refers to the largest concept of Qi in the human body. Qi is distributed in the organs, known as organ Qi, and within the meridians, it is called meridian Qi. Therefore, meridian Qi is the Qi that runs within the meridians, and it is the material basis for sensory transmission. When students learn acupuncture, they will ask patients if they feel anything, using the TCM terminology “De Qi” (obtaining Qi). Obtaining Qi is an important indicator of acupuncture efficacy. Similarly, when performing massage along the meridians, it is essential to ask patients if they feel anything, which in meridian theory is referred to as obtaining Qi.3. Nourishing FunctionThe nourishing function refers to the Qi and blood running through the meridians, providing nutrients for the physiological activities of the entire body. In this sense, it has the function of transporting materials, allowing Qi and blood to nourish the body and maintain normal physiological activities.4. Regulatory FunctionHow do we understand the regulatory function? It can regulate the Yin and Yang of the human body. The meridian system consists of Yin and Yang meridians, which, through their pathways, form a continuous cycle of Yin and Yang. The result of this cycle is to achieve a state of balance between Yin and Yang in the body. In this sense, it can regulate the Yin and Yang of the human body. When students learn the principles of acupuncture treatment, an important principle is “treating the left for right diseases and the right for left diseases.” The ancient texts also mention “treating Yang diseases with Yin and Yin diseases with Yang.” This means that if a Yang meridian is diseased, we do not treat the diseased Yang meridian but rather the healthy Yin meridian, and vice versa. This principle is referred to as “cross meridian acupuncture.” The content discussed here aims to explain how the meridian system, through the circulation of Qi and blood, connects the organs, meridians, limbs, and body, thereby achieving a state of balance between Yin and Yang, which is referred to as health. In summary, this healthy state is achieved through the meridian system, completing the regulatory function through the network of meridians. This section focuses on the physiological functions of the regular meridians, while the functions of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are discussed in terms of their physiological characteristics and functions, particularly the Ren, Du, Chong, and Dai meridians.Section FiveApplications of Meridian TheoryIn the final section, what are the applications of meridian theory? We have discussed its theoretical significance, but what about its practical significance? It mainly refers to its role in pathology, diagnosis, and treatment. Here, we will provide a few examples for students to understand.1. Explaining Pathological ChangesUsing meridian theory to explain the pathological changes in the body, particularly those resulting from Yin-Yang imbalance.(1) It is a pathway for transmitting pathogenic factors.According to meridian theory, we understand the pathways of disease transmission. When pathogenic factors invade the skin, they first affect the superficial collaterals, then enter the meridians, and subsequently the twelve regular meridians and the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. The deepest level is the meridians, which then connect to the organs. The pathway of pathogenic factors is from the exterior to the interior, where the Fu organs are superficial and the Zang organs are deep. Therefore, the pathway of pathogenic factors is from the exterior to the interior, from the five Zang organs to the six Fu organs, to the meridians, and finally to the collaterals and skin. Thus, it serves as a pathway for transmitting pathogenic factors.(2) It is also a pathway for reflecting pathological changes.When pathogenic factors act on the body, various pathological changes occur. These changes will manifest along the pathways of the meridians, leading to abnormalities. In this sense, it is also a pathway for reflecting pathological changes. Each meridian’s pathway reflects different pathological changes, which in TCM are referred to as “syndromes.” In the study of acupuncture, this will be further discussed. Thus, it serves as both a pathway for the entry and exit of pathogenic factors and a pathway for reflecting pathological changes.2. Guiding Disease DiagnosisIn terms of diagnostic applications, it mainly refers to the diagnosis of disease locations. When we discussed the distribution patterns of the twelve regular meridians, we emphasized that students should master the distribution patterns in the head, trunk, and limbs. By identifying which part of the body is affected, we can relate it to the corresponding meridian. For example, if there is a headache on one side, it corresponds to the Shaoyang Meridian’s pathway. Therefore, from the perspective of meridian diagnosis, we can determine that the headache is related to the Shaoyang Meridian’s pathology, and we can use acupuncture to treat it based on that meridian.3. Guiding Disease TreatmentMeridian theory has guiding significance for disease treatment. (1) In acupuncture and massage, the theoretical basis for these treatments is based on meridian theory. In the clinical sections of acupuncture and massage, students will learn more about this. Here, it is important to understand that meridian theory provides the theoretical basis for acupuncture and massage treatments. In herbal medicine, there is a theory of meridian affinity, which states that each herb should be marked according to which meridian it enters. This theory is derived from meridian theory, indicating which herbs are specifically associated with which meridians. This is referred to as “herbs that guide to specific meridians.” When studying herbal medicine, students should pay attention to mastering the theory of meridian affinity. This theory is guided by meridian theory. Up to this point, we have completed the discussion on meridian theory. The focus of this chapter is on the concept of meridians, the composition of meridians, the distribution patterns of the twelve regular meridians, their connection rules, the flow of Qi and blood, and the physiological characteristics of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians, particularly the Ren, Du, Chong, and Dai meridians, along with their general pathways and physiological functions. The physiological functions of the meridians and the applications of meridian theory have been introduced for students to understand. This content will be further elaborated in future discussions on meridian theory and the detailed pathways of the twelve regular meridians. Today’s lecture concludes here.Thank you all.
All conditioned phenomena
Are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, or a shadow.
Like dew or lightning.
One should observe them like this.